For Immediate Release:
June 5, 2019

Historical Commission presents Preservation Awards
Fifth-grade History Essay Contest winners honored for creative efforts

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Historical Commission recently announced the recipients of the County’s 2019 Historical Preservation Awards and the winners of the History Essay Contest for Fifth-Graders. The Historical Preservations Awards are given annually to those who have undertaken restoration and preservation projects for their historic buildings.

“I would like to express my sincerest thanks to those who invest their time and money to preserve Monmouth County historical structures and find unique ways to adapt these structures for new, creative uses,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Monmouth County Historical Commission. “These honored projects reflect the successful preservation and restoration of historic sites throughout Monmouth County.”

Roger Mumford of Red Bank and the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation were recognized for the rehabilitation and preservation of the former home of T. Thomas Fortune, an editor and journalist who had a significant impact on the progression of civil rights. As a result of their collective efforts, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 23 to open the renovated T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank.

The Squan Village Historical Society of Manasquan was honored for their restoration of the Bailey-Reed Carriage House, which was constructed by the Bailey family over 200 years ago. Middletown residents John and Christine Parker were also acknowledged for restoring and preserving their historic home, known as the “House of Conover Hill.”

The Commission recognized the winners of the 2019 History Essay Contest for Fifth-Graders. Annabel Sparano from Oak Hill Academy was awarded first place for her essay, “Presenting the Past.” Brady Welch from Saint Leo the Great School was presented second place for his essay, “Vietnam Memorial.” Sophia Gao from Oak Hill Academy earned third place for her essay, “Longstreet Farm Now and Then.”

“I am so grateful to address our awardees, but particularly our Essay Contest winners, as I passionately believe that knowledge of our past will most assuredly benefit today’s students,” said Freeholder Burry. “The ideals expressed within these essays will help students form their own personal identity, enriched with the knowledge of history and its inherent value.”

Photo caption: The Monmouth County Historical Commission presented the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation with a Historical Preservation Award on Monday, June 3 in Freehold.

 

Left to right: Mark Fitzsimmons, Dr. Walter Greason, Lorraine Stone, Ron Bernstein, Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, Commission Randall Gabrielan and Gilda Rogers

 

Photo caption: The Monmouth County Historical Commission presented Annabel Sparano, Brady Welch and Sophia Gao with certificates of recognition for winning the 2019 History Essay Contest for Fifth-Graders on Monday, June 3 in Freehold.

Left to right: Commissioner Glenn Cashion, Annabel Sparano, Brady Welch, Sophia Gao and Freeholder Lillian G. Burry

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